Making the dull side shine
made tough but sensible restrictions to limit infection spread so providing best protection for us all. My experience dealing with disease is only veterinary but the aim is the same. I totally support these measures to reduce human suffering and loss.
Thank you to leaders who are acting with speed and strength during these difficult times. I had never heard of Directorgeneral of Health, Dr Ashley Bloomfield, before and now he shines as a trusted face with his calm, clear communications.
World view. The comment is often made that this is like a war. Thankfully people are not killing each other, countries are not fighting but battling this common invisible enemy.
We may be locked down but we have power, petrol, and communication with no blackouts, bombs or food rationing. Our loved ones may be on the ‘‘frontline’’ or still far away but we don’t wait for letters to wander around the world bringing long out-of-date written news. Instead technology allows Skype, Zoom, watch, chat and keep in real-time touch. That sure cuts down ‘‘isolation’’.
Our country considerations.
Some sectors of our economy are facing seriously hard times but New Zealand is fortunate to have an agriculture sector still earning.
Cows, crops, trees, market gardens, orchards, and sheep are thankfully still producing, harvesting, processing and exporting. Being an essential service means our agricultural businesses will continue crucial contributions to feeding our communities and creating critical revenue for our economy. Over the past week emails remind us of our role.
From beef and lamb organisation, ‘‘Our sector is fortunate to be able to continue, but with this comes a serious responsibility.’’
From our meat company, ‘‘As an industry, we are in a privileged position. We have the support and trust of the government to get on and do our jobs.’’
So much is changed but farmers have produced food in the past, continue to do so under emergency conditions and will shine into the future.
At Kaihoka. We are truly grateful to be isolating in such a beautiful place with space, regular activities and some sort of ‘‘normal’’. My daily routine of caring for family, chooks, pigs, dogs, milking house cows and garden continues. A sow had a litter of piglets and I’m poisoning the autumn invasion of rodents.
Personal perspective. I am actually enjoying quiet time at home in a bubble with Jock and Mary, my car parked up in the garage, and feeling in sort of holiday-mode. We watch the news avidly, think and talk constantly of many families immensely impacted in many ways, and I pray regularly.
In a world of turmoil I’m glad to have a constant and be able to cast my cares to God. No going out for fellowship but ‘‘Churchat–home’’ comes on TV.
Phone calls are important and social connection is not lacking. It surprises us how many cars still go up and down our deadend road and how often people phone asking to cross the farm.
Hello!... Everyone needs to stay home. Jock says that he will put a sign on the drive: ‘‘Don’t come up unless you have very good reason.’’ That may well stay there way after lockdown is over.
I am extremely appreciative of systems in place to support us all through this emergency. But these aren’t just ‘‘systems’’. These are valuable people dedicatedly serving in many medical areas, mail and deliveries, media, food supplies, transport, police, communications, social work and I am grateful for their commitment.
Jock took a photo of interesting cloud formations.
Looking on the dull side there are two waves from opposite sides crashing down on us. Or more hopefully it may appear like a big ‘‘C’’- for- Corona beaten and lying on its back. But considering this lockdown life we are living through maybe that cloud is an image of two hands holding us. May you be safe, secure and keep finding brightness over the weeks ahead.